Hear this Week – Live Music in St. Louis August 28 – September 4

St. Louis is the center of the country not only geographically, but also musically. From classical music to the birth of the blues through hip hop and rap, it’s all here. Here are just a few Bands of Note:

Monday, August 28 – At the Shaved Duck, Dizzy Atmosphere plays from 5:30 to 8:30 while patrons dine on fine BBQ and soul food. This violin/guitar duo plays great jazz from Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli through the Latin jazz work of Carlos Jobim and Xavier Cugat. No cover.

Wednesday, August 30 – It’s Wednesday, which means Roland Johnson and the Soul Endeavor are at Beale on Broadway. 8, $7.

Thursday, September 1 – Carbon Leaf offers up an independent spirit and vibe with their blend of folk, Celtic, bluegrass, Americana, and rock (they call what they do “Ether-Electrified Porch Music”). Catch them at the Old Rock House tonight. Cara Louise opens. Doors open at 7, $20.

Sunday, Sept 3 – Up in St. Charles at Frontier Park, the St. Charles Big Bands presents “Sunday Serenades,” the summer concert series. This will be the last of the series, so grab your blanket and lawn chair and check it out! 7:30, free.

What the Locals Know: The incredible Big Muddy Blues Festival is celebrating its 22nd year on Laclede’s Landing. Over Labor Day Weekend (Sept 1–3), thousands of music lovers will descend on the area to hear 50-plus bands and musicians play on the three stages outside and three clubs inside. Headliners include Big Mike Aguirre, Marquise Knox, and Blue Lotus Review.

Music Note of Note: Published in 1914 and still played by bands all over the country, W.C. Handy’s story is that he wrote “Saint Louis Blues” after a chance meeting with a woman on the streets here, upset at her husband’s absence. Learn more about it and the history of the Blues at our National Blues Museum!

— Hear This Week is written by local writer, musician, and live music fan Kevin M. Mitchell